Gaming machine

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine includes: a first game unit that performs a first game process for providing a first game to a first group of players; and a second game unit that performs a second game process for providing a second game to a second player. The second game process includes: allowing the second player to bet on any one of players from among the first group of players; and paying out a first part of a second award to the second player based on the bet amount in accordance with a result of the first game, the second award being divided into the first part and a second part. The first game process further includes paying out the second part of the second award to the players of the first game on which the second player bet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is based upon and claims priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-293360, filed on Oct. 6, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a game is performed by betting game value, and in which a player obtains an amount of game value in accordance with the amount of the bet game value when the player wins the game.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, a gaming machine which recreates a sense of reality of a game played in a casino has spread in a market. As an example of such a gaming machine, a gaming machine has been proposed which includes: a common display device on which an image of a dealer who deals cards is displayed for players; and a plurality of individual display devices (satellites, equivalent to player terminals) on which a card game information image, such as images of the cards dealt to the players, is displayed, in which, when dealing the cards, by displaying the dealer image in such a way as to face in an installation direction of the individual display devices to which the cards are dealt, a situation is simulated in which the players are face to face with the dealer, thereby providing a sense of reality (for example, refer to JP-A-2004-008706 (US2004/063482A1)).

In order to heighten an interest of the players, a gaming method has been proposed by which, among card games such as a twenty-one, each player, as well as playing the twenty-one as a main game using his or her own deal, can play an extra game in which he or she bets on another player's deal (for example, refer to U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,934).

However, in the heretofore described gaming machine and gaming method, in the event that all the individual display devices are currently being played by the players, would-be participants in the game have to wait for the currently participating players to finish the game. In order to respond to this kind of problem, increasing a number of participants in the game can be considered, but an increase of the number of participants exceeding an appropriate number of players participating in the game causes an impediment to a recreation of a sense of reality.

Particularly, in the event that it takes a long time for the currently participating players to finish the game, it can also cause the would-be participants to give up on participating in the game, and there is a problem in which a situation occurs which is unfavorable for a shop and an operating company which intend to improve an ability to attract more customers.

SUMMARY

One of objects of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that improves an ability of a game to attract more customers while causing the game to progress with a number of players appropriate for providing a sense of reality.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a gaming machine including: a first game unit that performs a first game process for providing a first game to a first group of players; and a second game unit that performs a second game process for providing a second game to a second player, the second game being different from the first game. The first game process includes: allowing the first group of players to bet; and paying out a first award to the first group of players based on the bet amount in accordance with a result of the first game. The second game unit performs the second game process including: allowing the second player to bet on at least any one of players from among the first group of players; and paying out a first part of a second award to the second player based on the bet amount in accordance with a result of the first game, the second award being divided into the first part and a second part. The first game unit performs the first game process further including paying out the second part of the second award to the players of the first group of players on which the second group of players bet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a gaming machine;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a player terminal;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the gaming machine;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of an elevation mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another example of the elevation mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing still another example of the elevation mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a main controller;

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a main player terminal;

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a subsidiary player terminal;

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the gaming machine;

FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of a screen displayed on a liquid crystal display of the main player terminal;

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a screen displayed on a liquid crystal display of the subsidiary player terminal;

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of a screen which, making a transition from the screen shown in FIG. 12, is displayed on the liquid crystal display of the subsidiary player terminal;

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of a screen which, making a transition from the screen shown in FIG. 13, is displayed on the liquid crystal display of the subsidiary player terminal;

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the gaming machine, following the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 16 is a view showing an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display of the main player terminal;

FIG. 17 is a view showing an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display of the subsidiary player terminal;

FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of a screen displayed on a main display;

FIG. 19 is a view showing an example of a screen which, making a transition from the screen shown in FIG. 16, is displayed on the liquid crystal display of the main player terminal;

FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of a screen which, making a transition from the screen shown in FIG. 17, is displayed on the liquid crystal display of the subsidiary player terminal;

FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the gaming machine, following the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 22 is a view showing an example of a screen on the main display;

FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the gaming machine, following the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 24 is a view showing an example of a screen displayed on the main display;

FIG. 25 is a view showing an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display of the main player terminal;

FIG. 26 is a view showing an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display of the subsidiary player terminal; and

FIG. 27 is a view showing a modified example of the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display of the main player terminal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the present invention will be now described with reference to the drawings.

1. EXTERNAL APPEARANCE OF GAMING MACHINE

FIG. 1 shows an external view of a gaming machine according to the embodiment. Herein, a description will be given of a gaming machine 100 according to the embodiment as installed with a software program for performing a game of blackjack, which is one of card games, as a game to be executed by the gaming machine 100. However, the gaming machine 100 may be configured to perform games other than blackjack.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 100 includes a main game unit 100A, and two subsidiary game units 100B which are connected communicably to the main game unit 100A.

The main game unit 100A includes a terminal 102 on which five main player terminals 101F are disposed in an approximate fan shape, and a panel unit 103 positioned posterior to the terminal 102 as seen by an operator (a player) of the terminal 102. Five subsidiary player terminals 101B are fitted into each of the subsidiary game units 100B. The player terminals 101F and 101B are also called “satellites”. A player who operates the main player terminals 101F will be called a main player (first group of players (first player)), while a player who operates the subsidiary player terminals 101B will be called a subsidiary player (a second group of players (second player)). In the embodiment, the main player plays a main game (first game) provided by the main game unit 100A while the subsidiary player plays a subsidiary game (second game), which is a game in which the subsidiary player bets game value on a result of the main game the main player has played.

The main game may be any games performed in a casino or a game arcade, including a card game such as blackjack, baccarat and poker, and a table game such as roulette.

The panel unit 103 includes a main display 104, which is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, speakers 105, lamps 106 and LEDs 107. The main display 104 relays information related to a whole of a game in which the main player and/or the subsidiary player participates to each player simultaneously.

The main display 104 is configured in such a way that a notification of a start of a time period in which a bet can be made, a notification of a finish of betting, a notification of a game outcome and the like, are displayed by an animation of a dealer 108 and other images.

The speakers 105, the lamps 106 and the LEDs 107 provide effects related to the game, for example, audio effects such as background music and sound effects, and visual effects such as being turned on and off, either in conjunction with an image display of the main display 104, or separately and independently of the image display of the main display 104.

FIG. 2 shows a partial enlarged view of the terminal 102. Hereafter, a description will be given, while referring to FIG. 2, of the terminal 102 and the main player terminal 101F fitted therein.

The main player terminal 101F includes in a top surface a liquid crystal display 201 for providing information related to the game to the player. The liquid crystal display 201 is covered by a transparent touch screen 202, and a group of buttons 203, such as a payout button and a bet button, which the player uses in the game in cooperation with an input interface screen displayed by the liquid crystal display 201, is disposed in front of the liquid crystal display 201 for the player. Also, a coin slot 204, for the player to insert a game medium such as a coin, a medal or a chip (hereafter called simply a “coin”), is provided to the right of the group of buttons 203. A bill insertion slot 205, for the player to insert a bill, is provided below the coin slot 204. A coin sensor (not shown) is disposed inside the coin slot 204 and, when the coin is inserted in the coin slot 204, a coin detection signal is transmitted via the coin sensor. Also, a bill sensor (not shown) is disposed inside the bill insertion slot 205 and, when the bill is inserted in the bill insertion slot 205, a bill detection signal is transmitted via the bill sensor.

A coin payout opening 206 is provided in a lower front portion of the main player terminal 101F, in which a configuration is such that, in response to an operation by the player of the payout button which is a button included in the group of buttons 203, a plurality of coins corresponding to all or a part of a credit value owned by the player stored in the main player terminal 101F is ejected from the coin payout opening 206.

A transparent acrylic panel 207 is provided in an inverted, squared U-shape beyond the liquid crystal display 201 (on the panel unit 103 side), and a three-dimensional model chip presentation section 208 is provided in an area surrounded by the transparent acrylic panel 207. The three-dimensional model chip presentation section 208 includes three-dimensional model chips 209, a presentation section plate 211, on which are provided apertures 210 for the three-dimensional model chips 209 to project from an interior of the player terminal 101 to an exterior, or to store the projected three-dimensional model chips 209 in the interior of the player terminal 101, and an elevation mechanism (to be described hereafter) for raising and lowering the three-dimensional model chips 209.

The three-dimensional model chips 209, being a model of a pile of chips, are manufactured by molding a resin or the like. It is acceptable that the three-dimensional model chip presentation section 208 has a plurality of three-dimensional model chips 209 of differing units. It is acceptable to configure in such a way that, for example, three-dimensional model chips representing a pile of chips worth one credit each, a pile of chips worth ten credits each, as well as a pile of chips worth one hundred credits each, etc., are prepared.

These three-dimensional model chips 209 are raised and lowered by the elevation mechanism in accordance with a number of chips which the main player, who operates the main player terminal 101F provided with the three-dimensional presentation section 208, credits to the gaming machine 100, that is, an owned credit value. For example, in the event that a credit value currently owned by the player is “251”, the three-dimensional model chips representing a pile of chips worth one credit each are raised and lowered in such a way that they project from the presentation section plate 211 to a height equivalent to a thickness of one chip, a raising and lowering operation of the three-dimensional model chips representing a pile of chips worth ten credits each is performed in such a way that they project from the presentation section plate 211 to a height equivalent to five chips, and a raising and lowering operation of the three-dimensional model chips representing a pile of chips worth hundred credits each is performed in such a way that they project from the presentation section plate 211 to a height equivalent to two chips.

All of the players that participate in the game, as well as being able to ascertain promptly and intuitively a credit value owned by each of the players by looking at a height to which the three-dimensional model chips 209 project from the presentation section plate 211, can also experience a sense of reality just as though actual chips are increasing and decreasing in front of their eyes.

Next, a description will be given of the subsidiary game unit 100B. As the subsidiary player terminal 101B fitted in the subsidiary game unit 100B is identical to the main player terminal 101F, a detailed description of the subsidiary player terminal 101B will be omitted.

FIG. 3 presents a schematic block diagram showing an internal structure of the gaming machine 100. A main controller 301 is stored in the main game unit 100A. The main controller 301 includes an information processing device which performs a game program, peripheral devices and the like. The main controller 301, being connected in such a way as to enable two-way communication with each of the main player terminal 101F and the subsidiary player terminal 101B, receives a notification of a number of coins bet, a betting target etc. from each main player terminal 101F and each subsidiary player terminal 101B, starts an execution of a game in the event that prescribed conditions have been met, determines an outcome of the main game and the subsidiary game, and relays a result to each player terminal 101.

Each main player terminal 101F performs a process for increasing and decreasing the credit value owned by the relevant main player in accordance with the notification from the main controller 301. For example, the credit value is previously stored subtracted in accordance with a number of coins bet by the main player and, in the event that the main player wins the main game, each main player terminal 101F, in accordance with the notification from the main controller 301, adds a credit value equivalent to a number of coins obtained to the credit value owned, and updates a memory while, in the event that the main player loses the main game, it retains the credit value stored.

Each subsidiary player terminal 101B also operates in the same way as the main player terminal 101F with regard to the subsidiary game. That is, the subsidiary player terminal 101B performs an increase or a reduction of the credit value owned by the relevant main player in accordance with the notification from the main controller 301. For example, the credit value is previously stored subtracted in accordance with a number of coins bet by the subsidiary player and, in the event that the subsidiary player wins the subsidiary game, the subsidiary player terminal 101B of that subsidiary player, in accordance with the notification from the main controller 301, adds a credit value equivalent to a number of coins obtained to the credit value owned, and updates a memory while, in the event that the subsidiary player loses the subsidiary game, it retains the credit value stored.

Also, the main controller 301 also performs a transmission of an image signal to be displayed on the main display 104, a drive control of the lamps 106 and the LEDs 107, and a drive control of the speakers 105.

The main player terminal 101F includes a terminal controller 304F including an information processing device and peripheral devices, and an elevation mechanism 302 and a light source 303 which are connected to the terminal controller 304F. The elevation mechanism 302 is a means for raising and lowering the three-dimensional model chips 209 and, in the embodiment, a stepping motor is used as a raising and lowering power, but it is also acceptable to use a regular motor combined with a position limiting mechanism.

A description will be given, while referring to FIG. 4, of a specific configuration of the elevation mechanism 302. The elevation mechanism 302 shown in FIG. 4 includes a rotary drive shaft 402 attached to the stepping motor 401, abutment members 403 ₁ to 403 ₅, which rotate along with a rotation of the rotary drive shaft 402, arms 405 ₁ to 405 ₅, which are pivotably attached to a support shaft 404 in a position in which their one-side ends abut against abutment surfaces. 403 ₁P to 403 ₅P included in the abutment members 403 ₁ to 403 ₅, and tables 406 ₁ to 406 ₅ attached to the other ends of the arms 405 ₁ to 405 ₅. The three-dimensional model chips 209 are mounted secured on upper surfaces of the tables 406 ₁ to 406 ₅. Also, the tables 406 ₁ to 406 ₅, being guided by a sliding rail 407, are regulated in such a way that the three-dimensional model chips 209 pass properly through the apertures 210.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, a configuration is such as to raise and lower five kinds of three-dimensional model chips 209, and five abutment members 403 ₁ to 403 ₅, five abutment surfaces 403 ₁P to 403 ₅P, five arms 405 ₁ to 405 ₅ and five tables 406 ₁ to 406 ₅ are prepared. Although they are described with subindices suffixed to them in order to distinguish one from another, hereafter, in the event that the distinction between them is not necessary, they will be described, with no subindices suffixed to them, simply as the abutment member 403, the abutment surface 403P, the arm 405 and the table 406.

Next, a description will be given of an operation of the elevation mechanism 302 shown in FIG. 4.

When the stepping motor 401 driven by the player terminal 101 rotates the rotary drive shaft 402, the abutment member 403 rotates. When the rotation progresses, the abutment surface 403P abuts against one end of the arm 405. In this embodiment, a configuration is such that the abutment surface 403 ₅P first abuts against one end of the arm 405 ₅ and, after that, the abutment surface 403 ₄P, the abutment 403 ₃P, the abutment surface 403 ₂P and the abutment surface 4031P abut in that order against the one-side ends of the corresponding arms 405 ₄ to 405 ₁.

After the abutment surface 403P abuts against the one end of the arm 405, when the abutment member 403 further rotates, the abutment surface 403P pushes down the one end of the arm 405. The arm 405 having its one end pushed down pivots about the support shaft 404, and the other end is pushed upward. As a result, the table 406 affixed to the other end is also pushed upward, and the three-dimensional model chips 209 mounted on the table 406 also move up simultaneously. As a result, it becomes possible, in accordance with an amount of rotation of the rotary drive shaft 402 by the stepping motor 401, to cause all or part of the three-dimensional model chips 209 to pass through the apertures 210, and project it from and expose it above the presentation section plate 211.

Also, it is also possible, by rotating the stepping motor 401 in a reverse direction, to temporarily store the all or part of the three-dimensional model chips 209, which has been projected from and exposed above the presentation section plate 211, below the presentation section plate 211.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 4, as shapes of the abutment members 4031 to 4035 are set in such a way that timings, at which the one-side ends of the arms 405 ₁ to 405 ₅ corresponding to the abutment surfaces 403 ₁P to 403 ₅P, differ from one another, the three-dimensional model chips 209 at the right end in the figure first start to move up and, after that, the remaining three-dimensional model chips 209 start to move up, in the order of from right to left. Using this feature, by making the three-dimensional model chips different in color or pattern in such a way that the rightmost three-dimensional model chips 209 have a lowest value per chip (for example, one credit per chip) and, after that, the farther left, the higher value per chip (for example, five credits per chip, ten credits per chip, a hundred credits per chip, and a thousand credits per chip), it becomes possible that owned credit values of a wide range, such as 1 to 100,000 credits, are described according to an amount of projection of the three-dimensional model chips 209.

Next, another configuration example of the elevation mechanism 302 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a basic unit of another example of the elevation mechanism 302. One elevation mechanism 302 is configured by collecting a plurality of the basic units.

The basic unit of the elevation mechanism 302 has a table 503 attached to a rotary drive shaft 502 which is rotationally driven by a stepping motor 501.

A configuration is such that, in the same way as in the heretofore described example, the three-dimensional model chips 209 are mounted on an upper surface of the table 503. In FIG. 5, a pile of three-dimensional model chips 209 is formed by pasting hollow semicylinders together left and right, and the figure shows a one-side hollow semicylinder to be pasted. Although not shown in the figure, the three-dimensional model chips 209 moves up or down in such a way that they project or retract through the apertures 210 of the presentation section plate 211, which configuration is identical to that of the heretofore described example.

A nut 504 is secured to a bottom of the table 503. A thread ridge and a thread groove (which are not shown) are formed on an outer periphery of the rotary drive shaft 502, and the nut 504 and the rotary drive shaft 502 are threaded together.

The table 503 is regulated in such a way as not to rotate along with a rotation of the rotary drive shaft 502. For example, it is also acceptable to configure in such a way that, as in the heretofore described example, a guide rail is provided, regulating a rotation of the table 503 (an upward and downward movement is not regulated), or it is also acceptable to configure in such a way that a rotation of the table 503 is regulated by slidably abutting the table 503 against an inner wall or the like of the gaming machine 100 (an upward and downward movement is not regulated).

By rotating the rotary drive shaft 502, the table 503 is screwed forward or screwed backward. That is, by regulating a rotational drive of the stepping motor 501, it is possible to control a raising and lowering of the table 503, that is, the three-dimensional model chips 209 mounted thereon.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a case in which the elevation mechanism 302 is configured by using a plurality of the basic units. In this example, the elevation mechanism 302 is configured of a row of five basic units, on which is mounted one pile of three-dimensional model chips 209, and another row of five basic units, on which is mounted one pile of three-dimensional model chips 209. As each basic unit includes the stepping motor 501, it becomes possible to carry out a raising and lowering control of the three-dimensional model chips 209 independently for each basic unit.

For this reason, in the event of using the elevation mechanism 302 having this kind of configuration, it becomes possible not only to use a raising and lowering of the three-dimensional model chips 209 as a display of owned credit values, but also to carry out another display, for example, an operation for performing effects, such as by raising and lowering the three-dimensional model chips 209 like a roll of waves from right to left or from left to right, in the event that the player on that player terminal has obtained a big win.

Returning to FIG. 3, a further description will be given of the schematic configuration of the gaming machine 100. The terminal controller 304F of the main player terminal 101F, being connected to the light source 303, controls a light emitting operation of the light source 303. The light source 303, being a circuit including a light emitting source such as a plurality of LEDs, functions as a light source which can change differing colors (for example, red, blue, green, white etc.) and luminance. Light projected from the light source 303 is guided by the acrylic panel 207, and projected to the exterior of the gaming machine 100, particularly in a direction visible to the player.

Next, a description will be given of the subsidiary player terminal 101B. The subsidiary player terminal 101B includes a terminal controller 304B including an information processor and peripheral devices, and an elevation mechanism 302 and a light source 303 connected to the terminal controller 304B. Three-dimensional model chips 209 are operated by the elevation mechanism 302, while a light emitting control of an acrylic panel 207 is performed by the light source 303. As the elevation mechanism 302, the light source 303, the acrylic panel 207 and the three-dimensional model chips 209 are identical to those of the main player terminal 101F, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

2. CONFIGURATION EXAMPLE OF MAIN CONTROLLER

Next, a description will be given of a configuration example of the main controller 301, while referring to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the gaming machine 100, centered around the main controller 301.

The main controller 301 is basically configured to have as its nucleus a microcomputer 705, which includes a CPU 701, an RAM 702, an ROM 703, and a bus 704 for performing a reciprocal data transmission between them, and the ROM 703 and the RAM 702 are connected to the CPU 701 via the bus 704. Various kinds of program, data table and the like for performing processes necessary for a controlling of the gaming machine 100 are stored in the ROM 703. Also, the RAM 702 is a memory which temporarily stores various data calculated by the CPU 701.

The microcomputer 705, more specifically, the CPU 701 is connected to an image processing-circuit 707 via an I/O interface 706, and the image processing circuit 707 is connected to the main display 104, and controls a drive of the main display.

The image processing circuit 707 includes a program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, a VDP (Video Display Processor), a video RAM and the like. An image control program related to a display on the main display 104, and various selection tables, are stored in the program ROM. Also, dot data for forming an image such as, for example, dot data for forming an image on the main display 104, are stored in the image ROM. Also, the image control CPU, based on parameters set by the CPU 701, in accordance with the image control program stored in advance in the program ROM, determines an image to be displayed on the main display 104 from among the dot data stored in advance in the image ROM. Also, the work RAM is configured as a temporary memory device when executing the image control program in the image control CPU. Also, the VDP generates image data corresponding to the display details determined by the image control CPU, and transmits them to the main display 104. The video RAM is configured as a temporary memory device when forming the image in the VDP.

Furthermore, the speakers 105 are connected to the microcomputer 705, more specifically, the CPU 701 via a sound circuit 708, and the speakers 105, based on an output signal from the sound circuit 708, generate various sound effects, background music and the like when performing various effects.

Also, the lamps 106 and the LEDs 107 are connected to the microcomputer 705, more specifically, the CPU 701 via a lamp drive circuit 709. The lamps 106 and the LEDs 107, being disposed in a large quantity on a front of the gaming machine 100, are controlled as to illumination, when performing the various effects, by the lamp control circuit 709 based on a drive signal from the CPU 701.

Also, each main player terminal 101F and each subsidiary player terminal 101B, being connected to the microcomputer 705, more specifically, the CPU 7.01 via a communication interface 710, a two-way communication can be performed between the CPU 701 and the main player terminals 101F and between the CPU 701 and the subsidiary player terminals 101B. The microcomputer 705, more specifically, the CPU 701, by means of the communication interface 710, can carry out a transmission and reception of a command, a transmission and reception of a request and the like with each main player terminal 101F, and the main controller 301 and the main player terminals 101F cooperate in controlling a progression of the main game. In the same way, the microcomputer 705, more specifically, the CPU 701, by means of the communication interface 710 can carry out a transmission and reception of a command, a transmission and reception of a request and the like with each subsidiary player terminal 101B, and the main controller 301 and the subsidiary player terminals 101B cooperate in controlling a progression of the subsidiary game.

3. CONFIGURATION EXAMPLE OF MAIN PLAYER TERMINAL

Next, a description will be given of a configuration example of a control system of the main player terminal 101F, while referring to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the control system of the main player terminal 101F. A nucleus of the main player terminal 101F being the terminal controller 304F, the terminal controller 304F is basically configured to have as its nucleus a microcomputer 805, which includes a CPU 801, an RAM 802, an ROM 803, and a bus 804 for performing a reciprocal data transmission between them. The ROM 803 and the RAM 802 are connected to the CPU 801 via the bus 804. Various kinds of program, data table and the like for performing processes necessary for a controlling of the main player terminal 101F, for example, an operation control of the elevation mechanism 302, an on/off control of the light source and the like, are stored in the ROM 803. Also, the RAM 802 is a memory which temporarily stores various data calculated by the CPU 801.

The microcomputer 805, more specifically, the CPU 801 is connected to a liquid crystal panel drive circuit 807 via an I/O interface 806, and the liquid crystal panel drive circuit 807, being connected to the liquid crystal display 201, controls a drive of the liquid crystal display 201.

Also, a touch screen drive circuit 808 is connected to the microcomputer 805, more specifically, the CPU 801 via the I/O interface 806. The touch screen drive circuit 808 outputs coordinate data for a contact position on the touch screen 202.

A hopper 814 is connected to the microcomputer 805, more specifically, the CPU 801 via a hopper drive circuit 809. When a drive signal is transmitted from the CPU 801 to the hopper drive circuit 809, the hopper 814 pays out a prescribed number of coins from the coin payout opening 206. Also, a coin detector 815 is connected to the CPU 801 via a payout completion signal circuit 810. The coin detector 815 is disposed inside the coin payout opening 206 and, when detecting that the prescribed number of coins has been paid out from the coin payout opening 206, a coin payout detection signal is transmitted from the coin detector 815 to the payout completion signal circuit 810, based on which the payout completion signal circuit 810 transmits a payout completion signal to the CPU 801.

Also, the microcomputer 805, more specifically, the CPU 801 is connected to a stepping motor control circuit 811 which rotationally drives a stepping motor 401 (or 501) for driving the elevation mechanism 302. When a motor drive signal is transmitted from the CPU 801 to the stepping motor control circuit 811, the stepping motor 401 (or 501) is rotationally driven by the stepping motor control circuit 811. By this means, the elevation mechanism 302 operates, performing a raising and lowering of the three-dimensional model chips 209.

Furthermore, the microcomputer 805, more specifically, the CPU 801 is connected to an LED drive control circuit 812 for driving the light source 303. In the embodiment, the light source 303 including a plurality of LEDs, the LED drive control circuit 812, in response to an LED drive command from the CPU 801, supplies drive power to the LED from among all the LEDs which is the subject of the drive command. By this means, it is possible to carry out an on/off control of the LEDs in a desired pattern under the control of the CPU 801.

In the embodiment, the light source 303 includes five red LEDs, five blue LEDs and five white LEDs, and the LED drive control circuit 812 is a circuit which can selectively supply power in such a way as to individually and independently turn on and off the five red LEDs, the five blue LEDs and the five white LEDs.

Further still, the microcomputer 805, more specifically, the CPU 801 being connected to the main controller 301 via a communication interface 813, a two-way communication can be performed between the CPU 801 and the main controller 301. The CPU 801 can carry out a transmission and reception etc. of a command, a request, data and the like with the main controller 301, and the main controller 301 and the main player terminals 101F cooperate in controlling a progression of the main game (the subsidiary game).

4. CONFIGURATION EXAMPLE OF SUBSIDIARY PLAYER TERMINAL

FIG. 9 shows a functional block diagram showing an example of a control system of the subsidiary player terminal 101B. As shown in the figure, as the configuration of the control system of the subsidiary player terminal 101B is the same as that of the main player terminal 101F, identical components are indicated by reference numerals identical to those in FIG. 8, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

5. OPERATION EXAMPLE OF GAMING MACHINE

Next, a description will be given, while referring to FIGS. 10 to 26, of an operation example of the gaming machine 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operation example of the gaming machine 100, FIG. 15 a sequence diagram following FIG. 10, FIG. 23 a sequence diagram, following FIG. 15, of a case in which a different selection from that in FIG. 21 is performed. Hereafter, a description will be given of the operation example of the gaming machine 100, while referring to these sequence diagrams.

In FIGS. 10, 15, 21 and 23, only one main player terminal 101F and only one subsidiary player terminal 101B are representatively illustrated, and the other main player terminals 101F and subsidiary player terminals 101B are omitted from an illustration.

First, when game start conditions are satisfied, the main controller 301 performs a dealt card preparation process equivalent to an operation in which a dealer shuffles a pile of cards and prepares for a deal of the cards (step S1001). Specifically, supposing that there are a number N of cards to be used in one game, any number (called a deal number) of 1 to N is allotted to each card at random. The main controller 301, in accordance with the deal numbers, determines cards to be dealt to the dealer and the main player.

When the dealt card preparation process (step S1001) is finished, a main game start instruction is transmitted to each main player terminal 101F (more specifically, the terminal controller 304F, hereafter called simply the “main player terminal 101F”) (step S1002).

The main player terminal 101F, having received the main game start instruction, performs a main game input reception process (step S1003). The main game input reception process is a process which encourages the main player to carry out an input operation as to a selection and a decision (including a specification of an amount bet) and obtains the input contents as data. In this example, first, the main player is encouraged to input an amount bet. FIG. 11 shows an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 201 of the main player terminal 101F as a user input interface screen. Hereafter, a description will be given, while referring to FIG. 11, of the input interface screen.

In the liquid crystal display 201, as shown in FIG. 11, a player card display area 1101 is provided in a front position thereof (on the panel unit 103 side). However, at this point, as the process equivalent to the dealing of the cards to the main player is being performed, a card image has not been displayed yet.

Then, a chip display area 1102 is provided below the player card display area 1101. A chip image 1118 corresponding to a number of coins bet by the main player is displayed in the chip display area 1102, performing an effect whereby a sense of reality is evoked. When the player touches the chip display area 1102, an amount of bet is determined by the touch screen 202, and the amount of bet determined is transmitted to the main controller 301. That is, the chip display area 1102 also functions as a bet determination button.

A plurality of betting buttons 1103 is displayed on a lower right of the chip display area 1102. The main player can input a desired bet value by touching the betting buttons 1103 as appropriate. In the example shown in the figure, one each of values “1”, “10” and “100” is set on the betting buttons 1103, whereby by touching once a number of coins corresponding to the set value is added to the bet value.

A repeat bet button 1104 and an undo bet button 1105 are displayed above the betting buttons 1103. By touching the repeat bet button 1104, the main player can again bet a number of coins bet in the last game in which he or she participated. Meanwhile, by touching the undo bet button 1105, it is possible to cancel a number of coins bet immediately before.

A group of operating buttons which the main player uses when performing a maneuvering with the dealer 108 is displayed on a lower left of the chip display area 1102. Specifically, a stand button 1106, a hit button 1107, a surrender button 1108, an insurance button 1109, a split button 1110 and a double down button 1111 are displayed as the operating buttons.

The stand button 1106 is an operating button touched when playing with the cards already dealt, without requesting the dealing of a card. The hit button 1107 is an operating button touched by the main player when requesting a dealing of one more card in addition to the cards dealt. It is possible to continue using the hit button 1107 until a total of the numbers on the cards dealt becomes 21 or more.

The surrender button 1108 is an operating button touched when withdrawing from playing a current game. In the event of selecting the surrender button 1108, a half of an amount bet at that point is collected by the dealer, while a remaining half is returned to the main player. The insurance button 1109 is an operating button touched when taking out insurance for a half of the amount bet at that point against a dealer's blackjack. The surrender button 1108 can be used when the dealer's face up card is other than an ace (A), while the insurance button 1109 can be used when the face up card is an ace (A).

The split button 1110 is an operating button touched when, in the event that two cards dealt during the game are of the same number, the cards are split into two hands. By selecting the split button 1110, the player can play with each of the two hands. In the event that another card of the same number is dealt after splitting the cards into two hands, it is possible to split the cards again. A maximum of three splits are possible in one game. The double down button 1111 is an operating button touched when doubling the amount bet during the game. One card is drawn after selecting the double down button 1111, with a condition that no more than that can be drawn.

As well as a help button 1112 being displayed, a message area 1113 is provided below the stand button 1106 and the hit button 1107. The help button 1112 is a button touched when requesting an explanation of the game (in this case, blackjack) A message supporting the progression of the game is displayed in the message area 1113 in response to a current game status. A message explaining the game in the event of selecting the help button 1112 is also displayed in the message area 1113.

An area (an obtained credit value display area) 1114 in which the credit value obtained by the main player is displayed, and an area (an owned credit value display area) 1115 in which a credit value owned by the player is displayed, are provided in a bottommost area of the liquid crystal display 201. An area (a bet value lower limit value display area) 1116, in which a lower limit value of an amount bet is displayed, and an area (a bet amount upper limit value display area) 1117, in which an upper limit value of a amount bet is displayed, are provided. By displaying the lower limit and the upper limit of the amount bet, the main player is encouraged to determine an amount bet which falls within a range indicated thereby.

When the main player operates the betting buttons 1103 during the display of the input interface screen, in accordance with a value corresponding to the operation, the chip image 1118 is displayed in the chip display area 1102, enabling the player to confirm a number of coins bet.

Returning to FIG. 10, a further description will be given of the operation example of the gaming machine 100. The main player inputs an amount bet into the main player terminal 101F while referring to the input interface screen. When the input by the main player is finished, the main player terminal 101F generates main game input information, which is information corresponding to the contents input by the main player, and transmits the main game input information to the main controller 301 (step S1004). In this case, the main game input information includes main player terminal identification information, which indicates from which main player terminal 101F the information comes, and information indicating an amount bet. The main game input information is transmitted individually from each main player terminal 101F to the main controller 301.

The main controller 301, having received the main game input information, generates main game status information based on the received main game input information, and performs a main game status information storage process which is a process for processing the information (step S1005). According to the storage process, the main controller 301 records what kind of action each main player has taken (in this example, what size of amount bet each main player has input).

Next, the main controller 301 transmits the main game status information to each sub-layer terminal 101B (step S1006). The main game status information, being information related to the main game, includes information necessary for the subsidiary player to play the subsidiary game. The main controller 301 generates the main game status information using the main game input information received from each main player terminal 101F. The main game status information includes, for example, the following contents:

(1) Cards dealt to each main player terminal 101F

(2) An amount bet in each main player terminal 101F

(3) A winning percentage in each main player terminal 101F

(4) A win-loss history in each main player terminal 101F

(5) Cards dealt to the dealer

Each subsidiary player terminal 101B, having received the main game status information, performs a main game status display process (step S1007). The main game status display process is a process for displaying a main game status display screen for notifying the subsidiary player of a game status in each main player terminal 101F and the like. FIG. 12 shows an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 201 of the subsidiary player terminal 101B. This screen, as well as being a screen for notifying each subsidiary player of a game status in each main player terminal 101F, functions as an input interface screen for receiving an input by the subsidiary player relating to the subsidiary game.

A dealer card image display area 1201, which is an image display of cards dealt to the dealer, a main player card image display area 1202, which is an image display of cards dealt to the main player corresponding to each main player terminal 101F, a bet amount display area 1203, which displays an amount bet which is game value bet by the main player at that main player terminal 101F, a winning percentage display area 1204, which displays a winning percentage of the main player at that main player terminal 101F, and a win-loss history display area 1205, which displays wins and losses in the last five games, are displayed on the screen.

Each subsidiary player, with reference to these displays, predicts which main player will win (obtain an award) in the main game, and bets a desired amount bet upon the main player's winning. These are the contents of the subsidiary game by the subsidiary player.

A selection button area 1206, which the subsidiary player uses to select a main player as a betting target in the subsidiary game, is provided below the win-loss history display 1205. An odds display area 1207, which is an area in which is displayed odds (subsidiary game odds) by which an amount bet is multiplied to determine an award to the subsidiary player in the event that the subsidiary player wins the subsidiary game, is provided below the selection button area 1206. As described hereafter, the subsidiary game odds may be changed while the game is in progress.

When any of the selection button areas 1206 is touched by the subsidiary player, a corresponding main player is selected as a betting target in the subsidiary game. Then, when the selected main player wins the main game, the relevant subsidiary player wins the subsidiary game and receives an award in reward for the win in the subsidiary game. At this time, in the gaming machine 100 according to the embodiment, a fixed percentage (for example, 3%) of commission is deducted from the award in accordance with an amount bet by the subsidiary player, and the subsidiary player receives the remainder as an award. The deducted commission is paid to the main player selected by the subsidiary player.

In the same way as in the input interface screen of the main player terminal 101F as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of betting buttons 1210 is provided on a lower right of the screen, and an undo bet button 1211 and a repeat bet button 1212 are provided to the right of the betting buttons 1210. As well as a help button 1208 being displayed, a message area 1209 is provided on a lower left of the screen. A bet amount display area 1213 in which an amount bet by the subsidiary player is displayed, an area (an obtained credit value display area) 1214 in which a credit value obtained by the subsidiary player is displayed, and an area (an owned credit value display area) 1215 in which a credit value owned by the subsidiary player is displayed, are provided in a bottommost area of the liquid crystal display 201. Also, an area (abet value lower limit value display area) 1216, in which a lower limit value of an amount bet in the subsidiary game is displayed, and an area (a bet amount upper limit value display area) 1217, in which an upper limit value of a amount bet in the subsidiary game is displayed, are provided further below the heretofore described areas. By displaying the lower limit and the upper limit of the amount bet, the subsidiary player is encouraged to determine an amount bet which falls within a range indicated thereby.

After the main game status display process (step S1007) which is also a display process of the interface screen, upon receiving the main game status information, the subsidiary player terminal 101B performs a bet reception start display process (step S1008). FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 201 of the subsidiary player terminal 101B when a bet reception start display is executed. The screen shown in FIG. 13 is basically identical to the screen at the time of the main game status display process shown in FIG. 12, and is different therefrom in that a bet reception start message 1301 is added. The subsidiary player is notified by the bet reception start message 1301 that the subsidiary game is ready for an input.

Returning to FIG. 10, a further description will be given of the operation example of the gaming machine 100. After the bet reception start display process (step S1008), the subsidiary player terminal 101B performs a subsidiary player input reception process (step S1009). The subsidiary player input reception process is a process which encourages the subsidiary player to input a selection and a decision (including a specification of an amount bet) of a betting target related to the subsidiary game, and obtains the input contents as data.

The subsidiary player, while referring to the input interface screen, inputs a selection of a main player and an amount bet into the subsidiary player terminal 101B using the betting buttons 1210, the undo bet button 1211, the repeat bet button 1212, the selection button area 1206 or the like.

FIG. 14 is an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 201 of the subsidiary player terminal 101B when the subsidiary player performs a bet value input while the subsidiary player input reception process (step S1009) is being executed.

The screen is basically identical to the screen shown in FIG. 13, and a chip image 1401 in accordance with a bet value input by the subsidiary player is displayed in the selection button area 1206. In this condition, when the subsidiary player touches the selection button area 1206, a transmission of subsidiary game input information to be described hereafter is executed.

Returning to FIG. 10, a further description will be given of the operation example of the gaming machine 100. The subsidiary player terminal 101B generates the subsidiary game input information which is information corresponding to the contents input by the subsidiary player, and transmits this subsidiary game input information to the main controller 301 (step S1010). The subsidiary game input information is transmitted to the main controller 301 from each subsidiary player terminal 101B.

The main controller 301, having received the subsidiary game input information, generates subsidiary game status information based on the received subsidiary game input information, and performs a subsidiary game status information storage process which is a process for storing this information (step S1011) By this process, the main controller 301 records what kind of action each subsidiary player has taken.

Next, a further description will be given, while referring to FIG. 15, of the operation example of the gaming machine 100 after step S1011. When conditions for finishing the bet reception from the main player are established, the main controller 301 performs a bet reception finish process (step S1012). The conditions for finishing the bet reception are, for example, that a prescribed time (for example, one minute) has elapsed after the transmission of the main game start instruction, and the like.

The bet reception finish process (step S1012) is a process in which it is determined whether or not the finish conditions have been established and, if so, a bet reception finish instruction is generated. The main controller 301, after executing the bet reception finish process (step S1012), transmits the generated bet reception finish instruction to each main player terminal 101F (step S1013).

The main player terminal 101F, having received the bet reception finish instruction, performs a bet reception finish display process (step S1015). The bet reception finish display process is a process in which information for informing the main player that the bet reception has been finished is displayed etc. on the liquid crystal display 201 of the main player terminal 101F which is the input interface screen for the main player. FIG. 16 shows an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 201 of the main player terminal 101F after the bet reception finish display process. This screen example is basically of the same contents as the heretofore described screen example shown in FIG. 11, and is changed in that a bet reception finish message 1601 is added to an upper left of the screen, and in that, in the event that the main player on the relevant main player terminal 101F has been selected as a betting target by the subsidiary player, a subsidiary game bet reception message 1602 indicating that a bet on the subsidiary game (hereafter called a “subsidiary game bet” as appropriate) has been received is added to a message area 1113. The main player, who is an operator of the main player terminal 101F, understands from the bet reception finish message 1601 that the bet reception has been finished, and that he or she has been selected as a betting target by the subsidiary player.

Returning to FIG. 15, a further description will be given of the operation example of the gaming machine 100. The main controller 301, in the wake of the bet reception finish instruction to each main player terminal 101F, also transmits the main game status information including the bet reception finish message to each subsidiary player terminal 101B (step S1014).

The subsidiary player terminal 101B, having received this main game status information, performs a bet reception finish display process (step S1016). The bet reception finish display process is a process in which information for informing the subsidiary player that the bet reception in the subsidiary game has been finished is displayed etc. on the liquid crystal display 201 of the subsidiary player terminal 101B which is the input interface screen for the subsidiary player. FIG. 17 shows an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 201 of the subsidiary player terminal 101B after the execution of the bet reception finish display process. This screen example is basically of the same contents as the heretofore described screen example shown in FIG. 14, and is changed in that a bet reception finish message 1701 is displayed in place of the bet reception start message 1301. The subsidiary player, who is an operator of the subsidiary player terminal 101B, understands from the bet reception finish message 1701 that the bet reception has been finished.

Returning to FIG. 15, a further description will be given of the operation example of the game machine 100. The main controller 301 determines cards to be dealt to the dealer and each main player, and performs a dealt card determination and display process which is a process in which the determined cards are displayed on the main display 104 (step S1017). Cards to be dealt are determined based on a dealing order set in the previous dealt card preparation process (step S1001 in FIG. 10) For example, the first card in the dealing order is determined as a dealer's first card (the first card), the second card in the dealing order is determined as a first main player's first card, and the third card in the dealing order is determined as a second main player's first card. Hereafter, in the same way, two cards are determined for each of the dealer and each main player in accordance with the dealing order.

FIG. 18 is an example of a screen displayed on the main display 104 by executing the dealt card determination and display process (step S1017). A dealer card display area 1801, which is an area in which images of cards dealt to the dealer are displayed, and main player card display areas 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805 and 1806, which are areas in which images of cards dealt to the main players are displayed, are provided on the main display 104. Face images of the cards determined in accordance with the heretofore described dealing order, except for a dealer's second card, are displayed in the dealer card display area 1801 and the main player card display areas 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805 and 1806, notifying the main players, the subsidiary players and a gallery which cards have been dealt to the dealer and each main player.

Returning to FIG. 15, a further description will be given, in accordance with the sequence diagram, of the operation example of the gaming machine 100. When cards to be dealt are determined by the dealt card determination and display process (step S1017), the main controller 301 performs a first and second card information transmission which is a process in which each main player terminal 101F is notified of the cards determined as cards to be dealt to that main player terminal 101F (step S1018). For example, in the event of the example shown in FIG. 18, the main controller 301 transmits information specifying the first card “seven of diamonds” and the second card “eight of hearts” to a main player terminal 101F corresponding to the first main player (displayed leftmost in the screen as “Player 1”) as the first and second card information. In the same way, the main controller 301 transmits information specifying the first card “ace of spades” and the second card “queen of hearts” to a main player terminal 101F corresponding to the second main player (displayed second from the leftmost end in the screen as “Player 2”) as the first and second card information. Hereafter, in the same way, the main controller 301 transmits, to main player terminals 101F corresponding to third to fifth main players, first and second card information according to the respective dealt cards.

Returning to FIG. 15, a further description will be given, in accordance with the sequence diagram, of the operation example of the gaming machine 100. Each main player terminal 101F, having received the first and second card information, performs a main player first and second card display process (step S1019). This is a process in which card images according to the received first and second information are displayed in the player card display area 1101 on the liquid crystal display 201 of the main player terminal 101F.

FIG. 19 is an example of a screen on the liquid crystal display 201 of the main player terminal 101F after the execution of the main player first and second card display process. In this example, the screen display contents are basically identical to those of the screen, as shown in FIG. 16, displayed at the time of the bet reception finish, except that card images are displayed in the player card display area 1101. The main player can also see a progress of the game from this screen shown in FIG. 19, in addition to the screen displayed on the main display 104.

Returning to FIG. 15, a further description will be given, in accordance with the sequence diagram, of the operation example of the gaming machine 100. Following the dealt card determination and display process (step S1017), the main controller 301 performs a main game status information update process (step S1020). The amount bet of each main player has already been stored in the previous main game status information storage process (step S1005 in FIG. 10). This game status information update process is a process for, in addition to this amount bet, as well as storing the first and second cards of each main player, storing the first and second cards of the dealer.

To continue, the main controller 301 performs an odds change process which is a process in which odds for determining an award to the subsidiary player (called subsidiary game odds) are increased and reduced in accordance with cards of a main player on whom that subsidiary player has bet (step S1012A). The odds change process is a process for heightening an interest in the subsidiary game by changing the subsidiary game odds in accordance with a process of the main game. As a specific example of the odds change process, a method, by which, from the dealer's first and second cards (face up cards) and the main player's first and second cards, a winning probability of the relevant main player is calculated and, based on the winning probability, the subsidiary game odds are increased, and a like method, can be considered. As the subsidiary game odds before the odds change process, it is also acceptable to use a prescribed default value, and it is also acceptable to use a value calculated in accordance with data on the amount bet, winning percentage and win-loss history of the main player.

Following the odds change process (step S1021A), the main controller 301 performs a subsidiary game status information update process (step S1021B). The main player as the betting target, the amount bet and the default odds of each subsidiary player have already been stored in the previous subsidiary game status information storage process (step S1011 in FIG. 10). This subsidiary game status information update process is a process in which the subsidiary game odds changed in the odds change process are updated and stored.

Furthermore, the main controller 301 transmits to each subsidiary player terminal 101B the main game status information, which is the information specifying the cards dealt to the dealer and each main player, and the information including the changed subsidiary game odds (step S1022).

The subsidiary player terminal 101B, having received the main game status information transmitted in step S1022, performs a main game status display update process (step S1023). This main game status display update process is a process in which the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 201 of the subsidiary player terminal 101B is updated based on the main game status information received in step S1022, that is, in this example, a process in which each card dealt is displayed on the liquid crystal display 201.

FIG. 20 is an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 201 of the subsidiary player terminal 101B after the main game status display update process (step S1023). This screen example is basically of the same contents as the heretofore described screen example shown in FIG. 17 (at the time of the bet reception finish), and is different therefrom in that, based on the main game status information, images of cards dealt are displayed in the dealer card image display area 1201 and the main player card image display area 1202, and in that the subsidiary game odds changed by the odds change process are displayed in the odds display area 1207. The subsidiary player, who is an operator of the subsidiary player terminal 101B, can confirm a game status by means of the card images displayed in the dealer card image display area 1201 and the main player card image display area 1202, and the odds-display area 1207.

Returning to FIG. 15, a further description will be given, in accordance with the sequence diagram, of the operation example of the gaming machine 100. The main player terminal 101F, having received the first and second card information, performs a input reception process which is a process which leads the main player to input which is to be performed, among a hit (a request for an additional card) or a stand (a declaration of no additional card required), which is a stage subsequent to the main game, a surrender, an insurance, a split and a double down (step S1024). That is, the main player terminal 101F waits for the main player to carry out input operations from the stand button 1106, hit button 1107, surrender button 1108, insurance button 1109, split button 1110 and double down button 1111 as the operating buttons and, in the event that any of the buttons is operated, performs a process according to the button.

FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the gaming machine 100 in a case in which the stand button 1106 is operated during the input reception process (step S1024). Hereafter, a description will be given of the operation example of the gaming machine 100 in accordance with the sequence diagram in FIG. 21.

When a stand input by the operation of the stand button 1106 is executed (step S1025), the main display terminal 101F, in order to notify that the relevant main player has declared the stand, transmits stand information to the main controller 301 (step S1026). When the stand is declared, all the operation of the main player on the main player terminal 101F during the relevant game is finished.

When the operations of the main players are finished for all the main player terminals 101, the main controller 301 performs a main game outcome determination process which determines which main player has won the main game and how much the award is (step S1027). This determination is performed based on the main game status information updated in the previous step S1020. When determining an award to the main player, the main controller 301, in the event that the main player selected as the betting target in the subsidiary game has won the main game, adds the fixed percentage of commission of the amount bet in the subsidiary game to the award.

The main controller 301, having executed the main game outcome determination process (step S1027), in order to notify the main player, the subsidiary player and the gallery of the result, performs a main game result display process (step S1028). The main game result display process is a process in which wins and losses relating to the main game are displayed on the main display 104. FIG. 22 shows an example of a screen displayed on the main display 104 by the main game result display process. In this example, the basic screen configuration is identical to that of the screen example shown in FIG. 18, but is changed in that a dealer's total score is revealed by changing the card image of the second card from a face down image to a face up image in the dealer card display area 1801, and in that a win-loss message 2201 indicating the dealer's total score and a distinction between a win and a loss of each main player is displayed in the player card display area 1801.

Next, the main controller 301 transmits main game result information to each main game player terminal 101F (step S1029). This main game result information includes information regarding whether or not the main player having played on the relevant main player terminal 101F has won the main game and, in the event that he or she has won, information on an award amount for the winning. In the event that the main player has been selected as a betting target in the subsidiary game by the subsidiary player, a commission according to the amount bet in the relevant subsidiary game is added to the award amount.

Each main player terminal 101F, having received the main game result information, performs a payout process based on the main game result information (step S1030). That is, in the event that the main player having played on the relevant main player terminal 101F has won the main game, and information of an award amount for the winning is included in the main game result information received, each main player terminal 101F performs a payment of an award to the main game by adding a value according to the award amount to the credit value, or by driving the hopper 814 and ejecting a number of coins according to the award amount.

Next, the main controller 310 performs a subsidiary game outcome determination process which determines which subsidiary player has won the subsidiary game and how much an award for the winning is (step S1031). This determination is performed based on the subsidiary game status information updated in the previous step S1021B, and on the determination details in the main game outcome determination process (step S1027). When determining an award to the subsidiary player, the main controller 301 deducts a commission paid to the main player, who has been selected as the betting target in the subsidiary game, from the award.

Next, the main controller 301 transmits-subsidiary game result information to each subsidiary player terminal 101B (step S1032). This subsidiary game result information, being information based on the determination details in the subsidiary game outcome determination process, includes information regarding whether or not the subsidiary player having played on the relevant subsidiary player terminal 101B has won the subsidiary game and, in the event that he or she has won, information on an award amount for the winning. In this case, a commission according to the amount bet in the relevant subsidiary game is deducted from the award amount.

Each subsidiary player terminal 101B, having received the subsidiary game result information, performs a payout process based on the subsidiary game result information (step S1033). That is, in the event that the subsidiary player having played on the relevant subsidiary player terminal 101B has won the subsidiary game, and information of an award amount for the winning is included in the subsidiary game result information received, each subsidiary player terminal 101B performs a payment of an award for the subsidiary game by adding a value according to the award amount to the credit value, or by driving the hopper 814 and ejecting a number of coins according to the award amount.

Next, a description will be given, while referring to FIG. 23, of an operation example of the gaming machine 100 in the event that the hit button 1107 is operated in the heretofore described input reception process (step S1024 in FIG. 15). FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram showing the operation example of the gaming machine 100 in the event that the hit button 1107 is operated.

When a hit input by an operation of the hit button 1106 is executed (step S1034), the main player terminal 101F, in order to notify that the relevant main player has declared the hit, transmits hit information to the main controller 301 (step S1035).

Upon receiving the hit information, the main controller 301 determines cards to be dealt to the main player who has declared the hit, and performs a dealt card determination and display process which is a process in which the cards determined are displayed on the main display 104 (step S1036). The determination of cards to be dealt is made based on the dealing is order set in the previous dealt card preparation process (step S1001 in FIG. 10). For example, in the event that the first to twelfth cards in the dealing order have already been dealt, the thirteenth card in the dealing order is determined as the third card to the main player who has declared the hit.

FIG. 24 shows an example of a screen displayed on the main display 104 by the execution of the dealt card determination and display process (step S1036). The screen displayed on the main display 104 at this time, being approximately identical to the screen example (FIG. 18) during the execution of the dealt card determination and display process (step S1017 in FIG. 15), is displayed with an image 2401 of a card equivalent to the third card being affixed to a main player card display area 1802 corresponding to the main player who has made the hit declaration (in this example, the first main player).

Returning to FIG. 23, a further description will be given, in accordance with this sequence diagram, of the operation example of the gaming machine 100. When cards to be dealt are determined by the dealt card determination and display process (step S1036), the main controller 301 performs a third card information transmission which is a process which notifies the main player terminal 101F, which has performed the hit information transmission, of the card determined as the third card of that main player terminal 101F (step S1037). For example, in the event of the heretofore described example shown in FIG. 24, the main controller 301 transmits information specifying the third card “six of diamonds” to a main player terminal 101F corresponding to the first player (displayed leftmost in the screen as “Player 1”) as the third card information.

The main player terminal 101F, having received the third card information, performs a main player third card display process (step S1038). This is a process in which card images according to the third card information received are displayed in the player card display area 1101 on the liquid crystal display 201 of the main player terminal 101F. FIG. 25 shows an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 201 of the main player terminal 101F after the execution of the main player third card display process. In this example, the screen display contents are basically identical to those of the screen shown after the execution of the heretofore described main player first and second card display process (step S1019 in FIG. 15) shown in FIG. 19, except that a third card image 2501 is added to the inside of the player card display area 1101. The relevant main player can see a game status from the screen shown in FIG. 25 in addition to the screen displayed on the main display 104.

Returning to FIG. 23, a further description will be given, in accordance with the sequence diagram, of the operation example of the gaming machine 100. Following the previously described dealt card determination and display process (step S1036), the main controller 301 performs a main game status information update process (step S1039). The amount bet and the first and second cards of each main player have already been stored in the previous main game status information update process (step S1020 in FIG. 15). This main game status information update process is a process for storing the third card dealt to the main player who has made the hit declaration.

To continue, the main controller 301 performs an odds change process which is a process in which the subsidiary game odds are increased and reduced in accordance with an occurrence of the third card (step S1040). The odds change process in this case is performed on only the subsidiary player who has selected the main player, who has made the hit declaration, as the betting target.

Following the odds change process (step S1040), the main controller 301 performs a subsidiary game status information update process (step S1041). The main player selected as the betting target, the amount bet and the default odds (however, the changed odds in the event that the odds have been changed in step S1021A) of each subsidiary player have already been stored in the previous subsidiary game status information update process (step S1021B in FIG. 15). This subsidiary game status information update process is a process in which the subsidiary game odds changed in the odds change process in step S1040 are updated and stored, being reflected on the subsidiary game status information.

Furthermore, the main controller 301 transmits main game status information, which is the information specifying the third card dealt to the main player and the information including the changed subsidiary game odds, to each subsidiary player terminal 101B (step S1042).

The subsidiary player terminal 101B, having received the main game status information transmitted in step S1042, performs a main game status display update process (step S1043). This main game status display update process is a process in which the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 201 of the subsidiary player terminal 101B is updated based on the main game status information received, that is, in this example, a process in which the third card dealt to the main player who has made the hit declaration is additionally displayed on the liquid crystal display 201.

FIG. 26 shows an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 201 of each subsidiary player terminal 101B after the execution of the main game status display update process (step S1043). This screen example is basically of the same contents as the screen example (refer to the main game status display update process in step S1023 in FIG. 15) shown in FIG. 20, and is different therefrom in that a card image 2601 of the third card is additionally displayed in a main player card image display area 1202 corresponding to the first main player, and in that the numeral value displayed in the odds display area 1207 is changed. The subsidiary player, who is an operator of the subsidiary player terminal 101B, can confirm a game process by means of the card image display in the main player card image display area 1202 and the changed display in the odds display area 1207.

After step S1043, the process of the gaming machine 100 returns again to the input reception process (step S1024 in FIG. 15), and the same process is repeated until an operation finish notification (a stand declaration, a surrender declaration) is transmitted from all the main player terminals 101F to the main controller 301.

At this point, a description will be given, using a specific example of, in a case in which the subsidiary game is performed by the subsidiary player, dividends to the relevant subsidiary player and to the main player selected as the betting target. In the following, a description will be given of a case in which cards are dealt and coins are bet in the pattern shown in each heretofore described figure. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, a case will be shown in which the subsidiary player bets 20 coins on the first main player who has bet 100 coins in the main game. Also, a case will be shown in which, in the event that the subsidiary player wins the subsidiary game, a commission to be paid to the main player selected as the betting target is 3% of the amount bet.

When, from the screen shown in FIG. 19, as shown in FIG. 21, a stand input is executed in accordance with a selection of the stand button 1106 by the first main player, as shown in FIG. 22, the first main player loses in the main game outcome determination process (step S1027). In this case, no award is paid to either the main player or the subsidiary player, and the amount (100) bet by the first main player and the amount (20) bet by the subsidiary player are forfeited.

In contrast, when, from the screen shown in FIG. 19, as shown in FIG. 23, a hit input is executed in accordance with a selection of the hit button 1107, the third card shown in FIG. 24 is dealt to the first main player. In the event that the dealer's card is maintained in the condition shown in FIG. 22, the first main player wins in the subsequent main game outcome determination process (step S1027) In this case, 3% (0.6 coins) of 20 coins, which are the amount bet by the subsidiary player, is added to the award to the first main player as a commission, while the commission is deducted from the award to the subsidiary player.

That is, the first player receives 200.6 coins comprising a total of 200 coins, which are obtained in accordance with a winning outcome with an amount of 100 coins bet, and 0.6 coins, which are the commission from the subsidiary player. In contrast, the subsidiary player receives, as an award, 39.4 coins calculated by deducting 0.6 coins, which are the commission to the first main player, from 40 coins (in a case in which the odds are 2.0) obtained in accordance with a winning outcome with the amount of 20 coins bet.

According to the gaming machine of the embodiment which performs the heretofore described operation, as a configuration is such as to provide the subsidiary game in which the subsidiary player, who waits for the participating main player to finish the main game, can participate, it becomes possible to improve an ability of a game to attract more customers while causing the game to progress with a number of players appropriate for providing a sense of reality.

Particularly, according to the gaming machine, as a configuration is such that the remainder after deducting a part of the game value obtained by the subsidiary player in accordance with a game result of the main player is treated as an award to be paid to the subsidiary player, while game value equivalent to the amount deducted when paying the award to the subsidiary player is added to an award to be paid to the main player selected as the betting target, and such that the main player can receive a payment according to a degree of expectation the subsidiary player places on the relevant main player, it becomes possible to heighten an interest in the game of the main player selected as the betting target.

Also, in the gaming machine, the subsidiary game unit 100B is configured in such a way that the remainder after deducting a predetermined fixed percentage of game value from game value obtained in accordance with a game result of the main player is treated as an award to be paid to the subsidiary player. By this means, as the fixed percentage of the game value obtained in accordance with the game result of the main player is deducted, while the game value deducted is added to the award to the main player, it becomes possible to heighten an interest of the main player in the game without discouraging the subsidiary player.

6. OTHER CONFIGURATIONS

It is also acceptable that the embodiment is modified as follows.

(1) In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, a case is shown in which only the subsidiary game bet reception contents are displayed in the message area 1113 at the time the bet reception is finished, but the contents of the subsidiary game bet reception message 1602 are not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, in the event that there is a plurality of subsidiary players who have selected the relevant main player as the betting target, it is also acceptable to display a number of subsidiary players and display a total amount bet, and it is also acceptable to display a number of subsidiary players and a rank order of the total amount bet. In this case, as the main player can ascertain a number of subsidiary players depending on a game result of the relevant main player, and a total amount bet, as well as a degree of expectation placed on the main player, it becomes possible to predict an award obtainable in accordance with the game result, and further heighten an interest of the main player in the game.

(2) Also, it is also acceptable to display a total amount of commission (a total amount of dividends including the total amount of commission is also acceptable) obtainable in the event that the main player selected as the betting target has won the main game (refer to FIG. 27). In this case, as the main player can ascertain a total amount of commission (a total amount of dividends) obtainable in accordance with a game result of the relevant main player, it becomes possible to further heighten an interest of the main player in the game.

(3) In the embodiment, a case is shown in which, in the event that the main player selected as the betting target in the subsidiary game has won the main game, as well as a fixed percentage (in the heretofore described example, 3% of an amount bet) of commission according to a amount bet being deducted from the award to the subsidiary player, the percentage deducted is added to the award to the main player, but the contents of the commission are not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, instead of the fixed percentage according to the amount bet, a fixed amount is also acceptable. In this case too, it becomes possible to heighten an interest of the main player in the game without discouraging the subsidiary player. It is also acceptable that a fixed percentage of dividends obtained in the subsidiary game are made a commission.

For example, a description will be given of a case in which, in the event that the fixed amount of commission is set to three coins, the first player wins as in the heretofore described example. In this case, among 20 coins which are an amount bet by the subsidiary player, three coins are added, as a commission, to the award to the first main player, while the commission is deducted from the award to the subsidiary player. That is, the first player receives, as an award, 203 coins comprising a total of 200 coins, obtained in accordance with a winning outcome with an amount of 100 coins bet, and three coins, which are a commission from the subsidiary player. In contrast, the subsidiary player receives, as an award, 37 coins calculated by deducting three coins, which are a commission to the first main player, from 40 coins (in the case in which the odds are 2.0) obtained in accordance with a winning outcome with the amount of 20 coins bet.

(4) In the embodiment, the main controller 301 has been described as having a configuration in which it is provided in the main game unit 100A separately from the main player terminal 101F, but the invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, it is also acceptable that, the main controller 301 not being provided in the main game unit 100A, the terminal controller 304F of any main player terminal 101F is loaded with a program for causing it to operate as the main controller 301, and this terminal controller 304F is caused to function as a host of the other main player terminals 101F and the subsidiary player terminals 101B. That is, it is also acceptable to configure in such a way that any one main player terminal 101F is a main player terminal 101F doubling as the main controller 301.

(5) In the embodiment, a configuration is such that the main controller 301 performs the subsidiary game outcome determination process (step S1031, refer to FIG. 21). However, it is also acceptable to configure in such a way that the main controller 301 does not carry out the subsidiary game outcome determination process (step S1031) but, instead, transmits the main game result information to the subsidiary player terminal 101B, and that each subsidiary player terminal 101B performs the subsidiary game outcome determination process based on this main game result information, and performs the payout process (step S1033) based on a result of the subsidiary game outcome determination process.

(6) In the embodiment, a configuration is such that an award to the subsidiary player is set in accordance with an amount bet and award odds of the subsidiary player, separately and independently of a result of the main game of the main player selected as the betting target. However, it is also acceptable that the amount of award to the subsidiary player is set in accordance with a game result of the main player selected as the betting target (an amount bet by the main player, award odds applied to the main player).

In such modified examples, the subsidiary player need input only a selection of the main player as the betting target at the time of the execution of the subsidiary game input reception process (S1009 in FIG. 10) and need not input an amount bet. Also, only information indicating the main player selected by the subsidiary player is included in the subsidiary game input information transmitted from the subsidiary player terminal 101B to the main controller 310, and the amount bet is not included in the subsidiary game input information.

Also, the amount bet by the main player and the award odds applied to the main player become included in the main game status information transmitted from the main controller 301 to the subsidiary player terminal 101B and, in the main game status display update process (S1023 in FIG. 15) performed after that, these items of information are displayed on the liquid crystal display 201 of the subsidiary player terminal 101B. Also, in the subsidiary game status-information update process (S1021B in FIG. 15) etc., the amount bet by the main player and the award odds applied to the main player are stored by the main controller 301 as a part of the subsidiary game status information.

After that, in the subsidiary game outcome determination process (S1031 in FIG. 21), the main controller 301, based on the heretofore described subsidiary game status information, more specifically, on the amount bet by the main player selected as the betting target by the subsidiary player, and the award odds applied to the main player, determines an amount of award to the subsidiary player.

Other processes that are not explained for the above mentioned modifications will conform to the contents shown in FIGS. 10, 15, 21 and 23 in the embodiment.

Also, in the event that the amount bet by the main player is changed in accordance with the main game status, along with this, the amount bet by the subsidiary player who selects the main player is also changed by the main controller 301 and/or the subsidiary player terminal 101B. As a modification of this modified example, only in the event that the subsidiary player bets the same amount of credits as the amount bet by the main player (for example, 10 credits), it is also acceptable that the main controller 301 performs a control in such a way as to allow the relevant subsidiary player to participate in the subsidiary game.

Also, in the heretofore described modified example, the main controller 301 determines the award odds applied to the main player selected as the betting target in the subsidiary game as the award odds of the subsidiary player who selects the relevant main player (the subsidiary game odds). Also, in the event that the award odds applied to the main player have been changed in accordance with a progress of the main game, along with this change, the award odds (the subsidiary game odds) of the subsidiary player who selects the relevant main player are also changed by the main controller 301 and/or the subsidiary player terminal 101B.

According to such a modified example, as an award to the subsidiary player is determined depending on a game status of the main player, it becomes possible to draw an interest of the subsidiary player to the main game, and increase the willingness to participate in the game.

In the embodiment described above, the main game unit 100A serves as a first game unit that performs a first game process for providing a first game (main game) to a first group of players (main players). The first game process includes: allowing the first group of players to bet; and paying out a first award to the first group of players based on the bet amount in accordance with a result of the first game.

Each of the two subsidiary game units 100B serves as a second game unit that performs a second game process for providing a second game (subsidiary game) to a second group of players (subsidiary players), the second game being different from the first game.

Note here that the gaming machine 100 may be configured to provide the second game to a single second player, or may be configured to provide the second game to a plurality of second players (second group of players) as described in the embodiment.

The second game unit performs the second game process including: allowing the second group of players to bet on at least any one of players from among the first group of players; and paying out a first part of a second award to the second group of players based on the bet amount in accordance with a result of the first game, the second award being divided into the first part and a second part.

The first game unit performs the first game process further including: paying out the second part of the second award to the players of the first group of players on which the second group of players bet.

The first game unit may be configured to perform the first game process further including dividing the second award into the first part and the second part by deducting a predetermined percentage from the second award as the second part.

the second game unit may be configured to perform the second game process further including dividing the second award into the first part and the second part by deducting a predetermined percentage from the second award as the second part.

The first game unit may be configured to perform the first game process further including dividing the second award into the first part and the second part by deducting a predetermined amount from the second award as the second part.

The second game unit may be configured to perform the second game process further including dividing the second award into the first part and the second part by deducting a predetermined amount from the second award as the second part.

The first game unit may be configured to perform the first game process further including notifying the player of the first group of players, selected as a betting target in the second game, of a number of players of the second group of players who selected the relevant player as the betting target.

The first game unit may be configured to perform the first game process further including notifying the player of the first group of players, selected as a betting target in the second game, of a total amount of the second part of the second award, which is obtainable in accordance with the result of the first game.

As described with reference to the embodiment, the first game unit may be configured to include a plurality of first terminals (main player terminals 101F) each provided for each player of the first group of players (main players), and the second game unit may be configured to include a plurality of second terminals (subsidiary player terminals 101B) each provided for each player of the second group of players (subsidiary players).

The gaming machine may be configured by further including: a main display (front display 104) that is provided to be visible by both of the first group of players and the second group of players; and a main controller (main controller 301) that is connected to each of the first terminals and the second terminals, and performs at least part of the first game process and the second game process, by displaying a progress of at least part of the first game on the main display.

As described in detail with reference to the embodiment, there is provided a gaming machine that improves an ability of a game to attract more customers while causing the game to progress with a number of players appropriate for providing a sense of reality.

The foregoing description of the embodiment has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable those skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto, and their equivalents. 

1. A gaming machine comprising: a first game unit that performs a first game process for providing a first game to a first group of players, the first game process including: allowing the first group of players to bet; and paying out a first award to the first group of players based on the bet amount in accordance with a result of the first game; and a second game unit that performs a second game process for providing a second game to a second player, the second game being different from the first game, wherein the second game unit performs the second game process including: allowing the second player to bet on at least any one of players from among the first group of players; and paying out a first part of a second award to the second player based on the bet amount in accordance with a result of the first game, the second award being divided into the first part and a second part, and wherein the first game unit performs the first game process further including paying out the second part of the second award to the players of the first group of players on which the second player bet.
 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the first game unit performs the first game process further including dividing the second award into the first part and the second part by deducting a predetermined percentage from the second award as the second part.
 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second game unit performs the second game process further including dividing the second award into the first part and the second part by deducting a predetermined percentage from the second award as the second part.
 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the first game unit performs the first game process further including dividing the second award into the first part and the second part by deducting a predetermined amount from the second award as the second part.
 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second game unit performs the second game process further including dividing the second award into the first part and the second part by deducting a predetermined amount from the second award as the second part.
 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second game unit performs the second game process further including allowing a second group of players to play the second game as the second player, and wherein the first game unit performs the first game process further including notifying the player of the first group of players, selected as a betting target in the second game, of a number of players of the second group of players who selected the relevant player as the betting target.
 7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the first game unit performs the first game process further including notifying the player of the first group of players, selected as a betting target in the second game, of a total amount of the second part of the second award, which is obtainable in accordance with the result of the first game.
 8. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second game unit performs the second game process further including allowing a second group of players to play the second game as the second player, wherein the first game unit comprises a plurality of first terminals each provided for each player of the first group of players, and wherein the second game unit comprises a plurality of second terminals each provided for each player of the second group of players.
 9. The gaming machine according to claim 8, further comprising: a main display that is provided to be visible by both of the first group of players and the second group of players; and a main controller that is connected to each of the first terminals and the second terminals, and performs at least part of the first game process and the second game process, by displaying a progress of at least part of the first game on the main display.
 10. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein each of the first terminals comprises: a display; an operation unit that allows the player to input operations; and a controller that performs the first game process by displaying a progress of the first game on the display in accordance with the operations input through the operation unit.
 11. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein each of the second terminals comprises: a display; an operation unit that allows the player to input operations; and a controller that performs the second game process by displaying a progress of the second game on the display in accordance with the operations input through the operation unit. 